Officials to travelers: Leave early, be patient

Millions expected to pack airports, roads

Wednesday marks one of the busiest holiday travel days of the year -- both in the air and on the roads.

Flight times at Orlando International Airport were on schedule for the most part early Wednesday morning, but security checkpoint lines were already building before 7 a.m.

Officials say anyone headed to the airport on Wednesday should allow for plenty of extra time.

Maggie Klee flew in from Washington, D.C., to meet her family for the holidays, and she noticed some differences this year -- more TSA security screeners, which appeared to speed-up the lines.

"Like they had more people directing, people where to go than usual," said Klee.

OIA has also made some changes, including big bright overhead signs that provide better direction to passengers are new.

Also, both the airport and the government have made a strong push to get passengers to sign up for TSA's pre-check program. That allows passengers to register for online background checks and avoid having to take shoes, coats and belts off when screened.

"I padded half an hour to my schedule so that I always tend to be a little more cautious than not," said Priya Cassens.

"I feel less stressed if I get to an airport with plenty of time," said Richard George.

"It really is a partnership, and right now the passenger is the key part of making this all go smoothly," said TSA spokesman Jerry Henderson. "The better prepared they are, the quicker we can do our checks and get them through security."

There are periods where the airport won't be busy, but Saturday will be the busiest day in the air, according to officials.

On the roads, Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they will ramp up patrols on busy roads to make sure traffic flows as safely as possible.

Troopers say anyone who speeds should expect to be ticketed.

Orlando International Airport

Images: Millions expected to move through Orlando airport

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Wednesday marks one of the busiest travel days of the year -- both in the air and on the roads.